The North Lamar Panthers are in the Regional Semifinals for the second time in the last three seasons. Just like two years ago, you don't have to look very far to understand why either. Besides the timely hitting and the speed on the bases, North Lamar has excelled in the pitching department. Look no further than their ace Kevin Dickey.

The hard throwing left-handed pitcher has dominated the opposing batters all season long. Kevin really made a name for himself last year when he pitched behind Ty Jones. Dickey, a senior for North Lamar, started playing baseball when he was four years old and has been pitching for the past 10 years.

"Controlling the game," he said when asked about his favorite part of pitching. "Of course the satisfaction of striking someone out feels pretty good as well."

Quickly he points out that his teammates all may have differences off the field but when they step onto the field they are like family. Perhaps that's why they've been able to make such a deep run into the playoffs.

Like everyone on the team, they've had to get used to a different coach this season. Scott Scudder, a former MLB pitcher, has been calling the shots as the NL coach.

"It's awesome [playing for coach Scudder] considering he was a pitcher as well," Kevin says.

Dickey is a one-sport person. Because of this, he signed a letter of intent this past summer to play for PJC. He would like to get his degree in coaching and history. For fun, Dickey loves to hunt and fish.

Before he can get out there and do that, though, he and his teammates have some unfinished work to do as they keep moving forward in the playoffs. Perhaps we can all learn a little something from this senior who takes each game one pitch at a time.

Congratulations Kevin Dickey for being this week's Guaranty Bank & Trust Athlete of the Week